I hope not, Fleming should be at #3 and Vincent at #4. There is no way Taylor should be ahead of Vincent, but I have a feeling he will be.
Agreed. Isn't it great to have so much confidence in our beloved caoch?
The team I would pick:
Craig Cumming
Nothing special but he he is consistent. Earned his place in the two match series against Sri Lanka. Reliable batsman to have at the top of the order. He would face first ball to protect the better batsman.
Michael Papps
No brainer really. Huge runscorer domestically and should have been in the side for a few years now if we didn't have such a fool of a coach. His average is disappointing but he has had limited opporttunities. Impressive average of 51 in ODI's and I hope to see him play in them as well. It would be great to see him convert his domestic record into international runs.
Stephen Fleming
I am concerned that he will have to come in early to face the new ball which he is very weak against. However with our first choice first drop out we have no choice. In spectacular CC form and I genuinely believe he's going to have a good trip in SA.
Lou Vincent
Labelled a dirty slogger by some, Lou Vincent has inexplicably been made to open in tests despite being a number four batsman. In the limited games we have seen him play at four he has produced some sparkling innings which hopefully he can repeat during this series.
Scott Styris
Obvious selection. He is a genuine mister do-it-all. Styris will provide some much needed consistency and solidity to the middle order.
Ross Taylor
I like having a specialist batsman at 6. Oram, whatever bracewell may think, does not have the technique or skill required to play at number six. Whilst Taylor is unproven, he can bat ferociously and being buried down the order will hopefully hide his flaws against swing and seam movement. I can see him and McCullum being quite destructive in the middle order.
Brendan McCullum
Obvious selection. CBF writing about it.
Daniel Vettori
Same as above
Kyle Mills
The Auckland swing bowler has improved beyond all recognition in both forms over the past 2 years. He will take the new ball with Bond
Shane Bond
Best seamer we've had for a long time. Simple.
Michael Mason
Many will be surprised to se him ahead of Gillespie. I have a gut feeling he will turn out decent in tests and in the WC, apart from one game against Canada, bowled well. More accurate than Gillespie, he will be my third seamer.